The Call to Justice is Urgent
Progressives stand at a critical juncture where the call for justice is louder and more urgent than ever. My faith compels me to see the injustices that surround us and act against them with conviction, guided by Christ’s example of righteous defiance in the face of oppression. While persistence is essential, there are moments when persistence alone is not enough; sometimes, our witness demands a more forceful resistance, a willingness to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and cause harm actively.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. warned, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words serve as a reminder that no matter where oppression exists, it affects us all and undermines our commitment to a world of peace and equity. This calling challenges us to examine the broader societal structures and the landscapes within our churches and communities. If we are to follow Christ’s teachings sincerely, we cannot be passive in the face of suffering, nor can we avoid difficult conversations and actions that push us out of our comfort zones. Our faith demands a fierce love that is willing to disrupt, risk discomfort, and confront injustice with courage.
The work of social justice is not easy. It requires a level of spiritual and emotional stamina that can be difficult to sustain, especially when our calls for change are met with opposition. This journey often requires us to go against the grain, challenging long-standing beliefs, structures, and practices even within our own congregations. It requires us to be unwavering in our principles and committed to holding those in positions of power accountable. True discipleship is about personal devotion and embodying a radical love that is courageous in the face of opposition. This is because God calls us not only to be comforted but to be agents of justice, aligning ourselves with those who have been marginalized and oppressed.
Persistence is necessary, but so is resistance. For true transformation, we must be willing to stand up, speak out, and take action, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Paul’s message to the Galatians reminds us of this commitment: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The harvest we seek is not only a spiritual one but a tangible change in our communities, where justice and compassion are at the forefront. We work not just for ourselves but for generations to come so they may inherit a society and a church that values equity and kindness.
As we work for justice, we must also remember the words of activist Audre Lorde: “Your silence will not protect you.” This reminder calls us to break free from passivity and fear, urging us to boldly speak truth to power and confront injustice. Our silence in the face of oppression does not make us safe; it makes us complicit. Our faith calls us to be a voice for the voiceless, to disrupt harmful systems, and to challenge the norms that allow injustice to thrive.
In this journey, we must strive to embody the teachings of Jesus, who did not shy away from challenging the oppressive practices of his time. He taught that love requires us to take risks, stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and embrace active love, not passive love. Jesus was not afraid to resist, call out hypocrisy, and demand justice. He showed us that sometimes love is not gentle but fierce, a love that disrupts and transforms.
As we continue our work, may we remember that this path is one of both love and resilience. Let us move forward with the courage to persist and the strength to resist, knowing our efforts are not in vain. As progressive Christians, let us be guided by a love that is fierce, a faith that is unwavering, and a justice that is transformative. We are called to be not just believers but doers of the Word, actively building a world where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
